10 Tips for Shooting a Daily Photo Project

Have you ever started something for fun? No plans for “why,” you’re doing it, it’s happening “just because.” Kind of like singing the Sanford and Son theme song whenever you dust or dancing in the shower to music to start your day. (You do that too right?) Maybe it even becomes a habit, and your day feels lacking unless this ritual takes place. Sound familiar, It’s happened to me. In fact, I’m living it right now.

For the past 1000 days I’ve been taking a photo of my morning cup of coffee “from where I stand.” In some ways it feels like I’ve been doing this forever, this new habit that I’ve created. One that makes me happy, a daily creative exercise to challenge my sleepy brain jolting it awake through a combination of caffeine and mental exercise. Did I ever tell you I’m not a morning person? Half of the year I’m shooting in my pajamas, and in the winter I’m rarely without my cozy, worn slippers to keep me nice and toasty warm.

Since I last shared my thoughts on this project 500 days ago, it has received an official name: The Mug Chronicles, for which I have muse Vanessa Snow to thank, and it has it’s very own website dedicated to these 1000 mornings and those to come. My “Good Morning Coffee” shots have evolved over time with new themes emerging into this ritual of “me” time, this habitual grounding that takes place every day. But I also fall into the pattern of “old faithfuls,” regular compositions I often fall back on when my creative muscles are still asleep. Today, I thought I’d give you a list of ideas to help keep your daily photo project feeling fresh, exciting and new!

My top 10 Tips for Keeping a Daily “Themed” Photo Project Alive

1. Seek Out Shapes

2. Seek Out Repetitive Patterns

3. Look for Interesting Reflections

4. Creative Groupings Tell a Story

5. Record Emotional Connections

6. Explore Perspective for Diversity

7. Use light to Portray Mood

8. Selective Cropping Adds Compositional Interest

9. Add props to Share Time and Place

10. Less is More

Last but not least, when things get boring, enlist a friend for some inspiration, put on some music and dance!

Above all have fun!

I hope these tips help keep your daily project fresh and full of life. As for me, I’ll be snapping my morning coffee for the next couple of months as I close in on year three before deciding if the end is in sight.

These are all awesome Holly!! I follow you on Instagram so some were familiar but lots of new ones! I had no idea you have been doing this for 1000 days, congratulations! You have such a creative eye, thanks for sharing all your tips! I especially love the ones with Major, he’s so cute 🙂

I sure adore you and look forward to these each and every single day. I ADORE seeing so many all in one spot. I will for sure check out your website, geesh…had no idea about that one. I just have a warm spot in my heart for the dancing in the rain one…..that one is sort of personal. xo

I think you have great vision !!! You are so creative and full of energy… I love what you do, the way you do it.
I would like to know where do you come from ? How big is your Tiny House ? What’s your plans next ?
I have to tell you something… I’ve been taking pictures since I’m 12. I’ve never taken any lessons or what but I can shoot marvelous pictures. I took photographs of my friend’s wedding. There were so nice. I love the experience. The photography makes me happy, bring me peace and release, finally, my whole creativity . I very happy about the new technology because it cost me an arm an a leg with the old ones and my parents told me that I could’ve bought a house …. 🙂 Thank you, hoping to hear from your nice place wherever you are ! Say hi to your pets 🙂

Hi Nicole! Thank you for your kind words! I live in Philadelphia in 900 sq ft 🙂 We’ll see how much longer I continue past mid-July when I hit the three year mark. Who knows…it just might continue 🙂 Keep on shooting!

wonderful post, Holly! I’m fascinated by your tips and the images you supply as examples! I’d like to keep them in mind for my sunday project. and admire your creativity and commitment a lot! so happy to be following you along your adventure(s) xo

Wow, I’m so impressed. 1000 days! I did something like that too last year with “one year of cups” (one-year-of-cups.tumblr.com) and didn’t even took every day a photo. This is so amazing, that you manage to take a photo every day! And I love your shots. I stumbled about one or two of your photos before… they are so lovely.